1 Timothy 1:17 Worship

Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. [1 Timothy 1:17 NASB]

This line isn't written as a theological treatise on the attributes of God. It is a spontaneous expression of adoration and worship. It is Paul's heartfelt response to God's mercy which was poured out on Paul, and also on any who would come to God in repentance.

God our King is eternal. He is; He has always been; He always will be. God alone was here before the creation of the world, which He formed with His words. In ages to come, the world as we know it will be done away with, and God will create a new heaven and a new earth. He will live eternally in the New Jerusalem, and He has invited us to live with Him for eternity to come.

Prophesying about Jesus, Isaiah said;

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. [Isaiah 9:6 NASB]

We know that God is triune; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We think we have that figured out with clear, sharp lines delineating the role of each "member" of the Trinity. But as Isaiah's prophecy indicates, our definition of God tends to get a bit blurry around the edges. The Son is also called The Eternal Father. I think the reality of God is so far above the capacity of human understanding that we cannot fully know him as long as we inhabit this flesh. Our minds simply aren't capable of taking Him in. As He said to Moses;

But He said, “You cannot see My face, for no man can see Me and live!” [Exodus 33:20 NASB]

I guess it is helpful for us to break down our understanding of God into small, knowable chunks. Just understand that He is beyond our understanding. Know that we cannot fully know Him. He reveals Himself to us in many ways, and He wants us to know Him to the extent that we are able, but the knowledge of God is vast beyond human capacity.

Consider the Holy Spirit. I have heard many descriptions of the Holy Spirit over the years. Some liken Him to the Force (of Star Wars fame), and have written book to that end. Many people view the Holy Spirit in this way - if not with the same terminology. They see Him, not as God, but as a power to be tapped and used. I have heard many preachers talk about "tapping into the power of the Holy Spirit"

In "The Shack" He is described as wispy, ethereal girl, dancing and whirling her way through flights of fancy. Somehow less serious and less substantial than the Father and Son.

Many of those who reject the idea of the Holy Spirit as a "force", see Him as Jesus' little brother. A lesser member of the Trinity. The sensitive one.

But, understand this: the Holy Spirit is God. He is fully God, not a "force", not a lesser member, not given to flights of fancy. He is God, in all of His power, and all of His splendor. He is the King on the throne. 

And He has chosen to live in the hearts of all who trust in the name of Jesus. He is invisible, but He is always with you, and in you; speaking to you, teaching you, and guiding you - if you will quiet your mind and listen.

To God alone be glory forever and ever. He is worthy of all praise.

My Lord God, You are worthy of all praise and glory. Holy is Your name, o Lord. Holy, holy, holy, lord God almighty who was and who is and who is to come. Lord, I worship You with all my heart.